Absolutely great week ahead. A good test tomorrow against a Rams side who put five past Hull on Friday night. But the outcome is not too important as it's a cup game. We'll hopefully see the boys play with some freedom and flair. Then a very winnable match against Villa - the bookies make them favourites even though they're on a point less than us! The performances that beat Forest and Sunderland will surely be good enough on Saturday. And to cap it all the St Leger meeting at Donny! What a week!
Looks as though Derby boss Gary Rowett is planning major changes for the Cup game at Oakwell on Tuesday night. In the last round he made ten changes from his normal line-up and could do the same this time. He will probably start with a 16 year old Max Bird and Jason Shakell and Chris Martin could also feature. He has already confirmed he is to rest Tom Huddlestone and Bradley Johnson who scored two in their 5-0 demolition of Hull City because he wants both fresh for their game against Bristol City on Saturday. On balance therefore, if we put our best side out we could get a result, but at this stage of the season with little prospect of realistically reaching the final stages, would it be best for us to focus on the League rather than a competition that very few of the bigger teams now seem not to take seriously.? For me, getting the necessary points to stay in the Championship is far and away more important, although another visit to Oakwell South in the next round is appealing.!
Or? Is it referring to the fact it's our 130 year anniversary.? We need to be in the ground well early on Saturday to enjoy the celebrations. Will we get our first sighting of Messrs Lee and Conway.? The anticipation is building up nicely.
If you're referring to what I said on my personal twitter account, the tweet that has a gif of Mark from blink and references blink etc, I think the answer's there. I didn't know my tweets were scrutinised.
The big news/thing is the 130th anniversary on Saturday. Lots of old players coming to Oakwell. Lets hope we can celebrate it with a good win too.
Eric Winstanley, Darren Barnard and other former players are attending the game on Saturday apparently.
Bobby Hassell is going to be at the game on Saturday. Ashley Ward has also tweeted Darren Barnard saying he's going to try his best to attend as well. Apparently, Villa owner Tony Xia is not happy with performances thus far, especially after the lack lustre goalless draw with Brentford on Saturday. He tweeted three emojis to show his displeasure, a glum face, an embarrassed face and an angry face. Villa lie 18th in the table and Bruce knows he's just clinging on to his job. The mood in the Midlands at the moment is if Villa lose at Oakwell on Saturday, for all his past achievements in securing promotions and assurances to Villa fans that given time he will achieve promotion for them as well, the feeling is that Xia could finally lose patience and call time on his tenure and show him the door.
